Game surface systems

ABSTRACT

Game surface systems configured to display a game sheet on a play surface. The game surface systems include a first module configured to support and protect the game sheet. The first module includes a back member and a cover sheet. The back member abuts the rear surface of the game sheet and is disposed between the game sheet and the play surface. The cover sheet abuts the display face of the game sheet and covers the game sheet. The game sheet includes a display face facing away from the play surface and a rear face facing the play surface. The cover sheet is coupled to the back member. In some examples, the game surface system includes a frame. In certain examples, the game surface system includes a transition module and a transition sheet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Application Ser. No.62/951,337, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to game surface systems. Inparticular, game surface systems enabling homemade game surfaces to beused effectively on play surfaces are described.

Known game surface systems art not entirely satisfactory for the rangeof applications in which they are employed. For example, existing gamesurface systems typically utilize commercially manufactured gamesurfaces, such its game boards or maps on thick card stock. The expenseassociated with commercial game surfaces is significant. Further,individuals utilizing commercial game surfaces are limited to the gamesurface designs offered by game manufacturers, which can limit gameplayvariety and creativity. It would be advantageous for a player to utilizegame surfaces prepared at home to reduce expenses and provide moreflexibility.

Size limitations are another challenge facing conventional gamesurfaces. The size of conventional game surfaces is generally limited tothe size of the game surface provided with a game. However, some gamesare capable of being played on larger or smaller game surfaces forunique gameplay experiences. It would be desirable to have a gamesurface system that enabled players to increase or decrease the size ofa game surface to modify the gameplay of a given game.

Most existing game surfaces are not intended to be marked on by players,such as to indicate scores or reflect current game events. Marking gamesurfaces may also be convenient or intuitive for games where players areexpected to draw pictures or write down words. Marking on mostcommercial game surfaces would quickly degrade the game surface andinterfere with its use in successive games. Since most commercial gamesurfaces are expensive and/or hard to replace, players can not afford todegrade the game surfaces by marking on them.

Erasable game sheets are an existing attempt to provide a reusable orcustomizable game surface. For example, with such erasable game sheetsusers may attempt to form a rectilinear grid on a first side of theerasable game sheet and a hex grid on the back side. However,conventional erasable game sheets have multiple drawbacks. For instance,they typically require users to create grids or other game surfacedesigns by hand, which takes considerable skill and time. The erasablegames sheets also do nor lie flat very well, especially when they areintended to be folded, which interferes with game play.

Attempts have been made to utilize game surfaces printed at home onregular paper, but such attempts have not been fully satisfactory.Homemade game surfaces tend to not stay in place on a table or otherplay surface. Further, the homemade games surfaces are prone to beingdamaged through normal gameplay given the relatively thin, fragile paperon which they are printed.

Thus, there exists a need for game surface systems that improve upon andadvance the design of known game surface systems. Examples of new anduseful game surface systems relevant to the needs existing in the fieldare discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to game surface systems configured todisplay a game sheet on a play surface. The game surface systems includea first module configured to support and protect the game sheet. Thefirst module includes a back member and a cover sheet. The back memberabuts the rear surface of the game sheet and is disposed between thegame sheet and the play surface. The cover sheet abuts the display faceof the game sheet and covers the game sheet. The game sheet includes adisplay face facing away from the play surface and a rear face facingthe play surface. The cover sheet is coupled to the back member. In someexamples, the game surface system includes a frame. In certain examples,the game surface system includes a transition module and a transitionsheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of game surface systemdisposed on a play surface and including a plurality of modulessupporting game sheets displaying a grid pattern that extendscontinuously from module to module.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the game surface system shownin FIG. 1 depicting a portion of a frame, a first module, and a singlegame sheet.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the first module shown in FIG. 2 depictinga cover sheet disposed on the game sheet.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the first module shown in FIG. 2 depictingtwo back members disposed under the game sheet

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the first module shown in FIG. 2depicting the game sheer disposed between a back member and a coversheet

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the frame shown in FIG. 1 depictingframe members arranged in two overlapping layers with magnets arrangedin defined sequences

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second example of game surface systemdisposed on a play surface and including a plurality of modulessupporting game sheets displaying a hexagonal pattern that extendscontinuously from module to module.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of four letter sized modules and fourtransition modules with game sheets displaying a hexagonal pattern.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the four letter sized modules and fourtransition modules shown in FIG. 8 depicting backing members couplingthe modules together.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the game surface system shown in FIG. 7depicting a frame magnetically coupling to back members of the modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed game surface systems will become better understood throughreview of the following detailed description in conjunction with thefigures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples ofthe various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, andaltered without departing from the scope of the inventions describedherein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications anddesign considerations: however, for the sake of brevity, each and everycontemplated variation is not individually described in the followingdetailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various gamesurface systems are provided. Related features in the examples may beidentical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake ofbrevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in eachexample. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the readerthat the feature with a related feature name may be similar to therelated feature in an example explained previously. Features specific toa given example will be described in that particular example. The readershould understand that a given feature need not be the same or similarto the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure orexample.

Definitions

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particulardimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term,such that a feature or component need nor conform exactly. For example,a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles acylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) areused interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to,and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements ormethod steps not expressly recited.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish oridentity various members of a group, or the like, and are not intendedto denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whetherdirectly or indirectly through intervening components.

Game Surface Systems

With reference to the figures, game surface systems will now bedescribed. The game surface systems discussed herein function to displaya game sheet on a play surface.

The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below thatthe presently disclosed game surface systems address many of theshortcomings of conventional game surface systems. For example, thenovel game surfaces systems described in this document enable a playerto utilize game surfaces prepared at home to reduce expenses and providemore flexibility.

Indeed, the novel game surface systems below are configured to utilizehomemade game surfaces rather than living solely dependent oncommercially manufactured game surfaces, such as game boards or maps onthick card stock. By utilizing homemade game surfaces and the presentlydisclosed systems, the significant expense and availability limitationsassociated with commercial game surfaces are avoided.

By not limiting individuals to commercial game surfaces, the novelsystems below expand the potential game surface designs well beyond thelimited selection offered by game manufacturers. Accordingly, thesystems described herein significantly increase the potential gameplayvariety and creativity beyond what is possible with commercial gamesurfaces.

Size flexibility is another improvement over conventional game surfacecontexts. Unlike conventional game surfaces, which are generally limitedto the size of the game surface provided with a game, the novel systemsbelow readily enable larger and smaller game surfaces. By enablinglarger and smaller game surfaces, the systems described hereinfacilitate unique gameplay experiences in more expansive or more focusedcontexts.

A benefit of the systems described below is that they facilitate usingdisposable game surfaces suitable for marking. As such, players usingthe novel systems described herein have the luxury of indicating scoresor reflecting current game events directly on the game surfaces they areusing to play a game. Further, the systems discussed below allow formore convenient and intuitive gameplay when players are expected to drawpictures or write down words. By using disposable game surfaces,degrading the game surface by marking on it does nor interfere withsuccessive games because new game surfaces can easily and inexpensivelybe created by the player as needed.

The game surface systems described herein more successfully utilizehomemade game surfaces than have prior attempts. The novel systems belowhelp keep homemade (or commercial) game surfaces in place on a table orother play surface. Further, the systems described in this documentprotect thin and fragile homemade games surfaces from damage that wouldotherwise occur through normal gameplay.

Contextual Details

Ancillary features relevant to the game surface systems described hereinwill first be described to provide context and to aid the discussion ofthe game suffice systems.

Play Surface

Play surface 102 serves to support game surface system 100 from below.In the present example, play surface 102 is a tabletop. In otherexamples, the play surface may be a floor, a counter, a bench, or a bed.

The play surface may be any currently known or later developed type ofplay surface. The reader will appreciate that a variety of play surfacetypes exist and could be used in place of the play surface shown in thefigures. In addition to the types of play surfaces existing currently,it is contemplated that the game surface systems described herein couldincorporate new types of play surfaces developed in the future.

The size of the play surface may be varied as needed for a givenapplication. In some examples, the play surface is larger relative tothe other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples,the play surface is smaller relative to the other components thandepicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that theplay surface and the other components may all be larger or smaller thandescribed herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The shape of the play surface may be adapted to be different than thespecific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application.

Game Surface System

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a game surface system 100 will now bedescribed as a first example of a game surface system. As shown in FIGS.1-6, game surface system 100 functions to retain, display, and protect agame sheet 101 on a play surface 102.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-6, game surface system 100 incudes aplurality of modules, including a first module 103; a second module 121;a plurality of game sheets, including game sheet 101 and a second gamesheet 122; and a frame 112. In other examples, the game surface systemincludes fewer components than depicted in the figures, such as notincluding multiple modules, not including multiple game sheets, and/ornot including a frame. In certain examples, the game surface systemincludes additional or alternative components than depicted in thefigures.

Game Sheet

The game sheets function to define the play area for a game. Play areasmay take a wade variety of forms, such as grids, patterns, maps,gameplay spaces or paths, and the like. In the present example, gamesurface system 100 includes a plurality of game sheets, including gamesheet 101 and second game sheet 122.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-5 that game sheet 101 includes a displayface 103 facing away from play surface 102 and a rear face 104 lacingplay surface 102. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, game sheet 101 includes alateral edge 110 and a longitudinal edge 111. As shown in FIGS. 1-3,game sheer 101 displays first display 123 on display face 103. Withreference to FIG. 1, second game sheet 122 displays second display 121.

In the present example, first display 123 and second display 124 eachdisplay a rectilinear grid. In other examples, the displays display agrid of other shapes, such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, orother regular polygons. The displays may additionally or alternativelydisplay a map, a fantastical scene, gameplay regions, or other gameindicia.

In the present example, the game sheets are made at home by printing thedisplays on paper with a printer. However, the game sheets may be anycurrently known or later developed type of game sheet, includingcommercially prepared game sheets. The reader will appreciate that avariety of game sheet types exist and could be used in place of the gamesheets shown in the figures. In addition to the types of game sheetsexisting currently, it is contemplated that the game surface systemsdescribed herein could incorporate new types of game sheets developed inthe future.

In the present example, game sheet 101 is composed of paper. However,the game sheet may be composed of any currently known or later developedmaterial suitable for the applications described herein for which it isused.

The size of the game sheet may be varied as needed for a givenapplication. In some examples, the game sheet is larger relative to theother components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, thegame sheet is smaller relative to the other components than depicted inthe figures. Further, the reader should understand that the game sheetand the other components may all be larger or smaller than describedherein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The shape of the game sheet may be adapted to be different than thespecific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. Forexample, the game sheet may have a face in the shape of a regular orirregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square, rectanglepentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the game sheetmay include a face having an irregular shape.

The present example includes a plurality of game sheets. However, thenumber of game sheets in the game surface system may be selected to meetthe needs of a given application, such as a single game sheet or a fewgame sheets. The reader should understand that the number of game sheetsmay be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. Forinstance, some game surface system examples include additional or fewergame sheets than described in the present example.

Modules

The role of each module is to support and protect game sheets. Theexample depicted in FIGS. 1-4 includes a plurality of modules, two ofwhich are identified by reference numbers: first module 105 and secondmodule 121. The reader can see in FIG. 1 that second module 121cooperates with first module 103 and is configured to support andprotect second game sheet 122. As depicted in FIG. 1, second module 121is configured the same as first module 105.

With reference to FIG. 1, first module 103 is adjacent to second module121 in a position where first display 123 aligns with second display124. First display 123 aligning with second display 124 defines acontinuous display 125 extending from first display 123 to seconddisplay 124.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-6 that first module 105 is configured tosupport and protect game sheet 101. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, firstmodule 103 includes a back member 106 and a cover sheet 107.

Back Member

Back member 106 functions to support game sheet 101 and to interfacewith cover sheet 107 and frame 112. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, back member106 abuts rear face 104 of game sheet 101 and is disposed between gamesheet 101 and play surface 102. In the present example, back member 106is disposed between game sheet 101 and frame 112.

The back members may be disposed in any position relative to rear face104 of game sheet 101. In some examples, the back members are disposednear edges of the game sheets. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and4, back number 106 is disposed proximate lateral edge 110 of game sheet101. In some examples, the back member is disposed proximate alongitudinal edge of the game sheet, such as depicted in FIG. 9 whereback member 206 is near longitudinal edge 211.

The number of back members in the game surface system may be selected tomeet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand thatthe number of back members may be different in other examples than isshown in the figures. For instance, some game surface system examplesinclude additional or fewer back members than described in the presentexample.

Back member 106 is configured to magnetically couple with cover sheet107 to hold game sheet 101 securely between back member 106 and coversheet 107. In other examples, the back member couples to the cover sheetwith mechanical fasteners in addition or alternatively to magneticcouplers. The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 4 that back member 106includes a first magnet 108. First magnet 108 magnetically couples withan aligned second magnet 109 of cover sheet 107.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, back member 106 and frame 112 arecomplementarity configured to allow back member 106 to selectivelycouple to frame 112. More particularly, the reader can see in FIGS. 2and 6 that back member 106 and frame 112 are complementarily configuredto allow back member 106 to selectively couple to frame 112 in more thanone orientation or position on frame 112.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, in the present example back member 106selectively couples to frame 112 via magnetic coupling. As shown in FIG.4, back member 106 includes a first group of magnets 113 arranged in afirst defined sequence 114. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, frame 112includes a second group of magnets 115 arranged in a second definedsequence 116.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 that first defined sequence 114and second defined sequence 116 are complementarily configured to alignfirst module 103 in a selected alignment 117. First module. 105 alignsin selected alignment 117 when first group of magnets 113 magneticallycouples to second group of magnets 115. First group of magnets 113magnetically couples to second group of magnets 115 when first definedsequence 114 aligns with second defined sequence 116.

The size of the back member may be varied as needed for a givenapplication. In some examples, the back member is larger relative to theother components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, theback member is smaller relative to the other components than depicted inthe figures. Further, the reader should understand that the back memberand the other components may all be larger or smaller than describedherein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, the back members are substantially rectangularand planar to be thin and unobtrusive under the game sheets. However,the shape of the back member may be adapted to be different than thespecific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. Forexample, the back member may include a face having the shape of aregular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, mangle, square,rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, theback member may include a face having an irregular shape. In threedimensions, the shape of the back member may be a sphere, a pyramid, acone, a cube, and variations thereof, such as a hemisphere or afrustoconical shape.

In the present example, back member 106 is composed of plastic. However,the back member may be composed of any currently known or laterdeveloped material suitable for the applications described herein forwhich it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics,wood, and composite materials.

Cover Sheet

Cover sheet 107 serves to protect game sheet 101 while allowing a userto view game sheet 101 through cover sheet 107. With reference to FIGS.1-3 and 5, cover sheet 107 abuts display face 103 of game sheet 101 andcovers game sheet 101. Cover sheet 107 is transparent.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 -5, cover sheet 107 is coupled to back member106. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, cover sheet 107 ismagnetically coupled to back member 106. In other examples, the coversheet couples to the back members with mechanical fasteners. The readercan see in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 that cover sheet 107 includes a second magnet109 magnetically coupled to first magnet 108 of back member 106.

The cover sheet may be any currently known or later developed type ofcover sheet. The reader will appreciate that a variety of cover sheettypes exist and could be used in place of the cover sheet shown in thefigures. In addition to the types of cover sheets existing currently, itis contemplated that the game surface systems described herein couldincorporate new types of cover sheets developed in the future.

The number of cover sheets in the game surface system may be selected tomeet the needs of a given application. The reader should understand thatthe number of cover sheets may be different in other examples than isshown in the figures. For instance, some game surface system examplesinclude additional or fewer cover sheets than described in the presentexample.

The shape of the cover sheet may be adapted to be different than thespecific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application. Forexample, the cover sheet may include a face having the shape of aregular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle, square,rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, thecover sheet may include a face having an irregular shape.

The size of the cover sheet may be varied its needed for a givenapplication. In some examples, the cover sheet is larger relative to theother components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, thecover sheet is smaller relative to the other components than depicted inthe figures. Further, the reader should understand that the cover sheetand the other components may all be larger or smaller than describedherein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, cover sheet 107 is composed of plastic. However,the cover sheet may be composed of any currently known or laterdeveloped material suitable for the applications described herein forwhich it is used. Plastic and glass are examples of suitable materials.

Frame

The role of frame 112 is to support the modules from play surface 102and to hold them in place to maintain their position during gameplay. Asdepicted in FIGS. 2 and 6, frame 112 is disposed on play surface 102 andsupports back member 106. The frame is an optional component and is notpresent in all examples of the game surface system.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 6 that frame 112 includes a pluralityof frame members and a second group of magnets 115. As shown in FIGS. 2and 6, the plurality of frame members includes a first frame member 118,a second frame member 119, and a third frame member 120.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 6, second frame member 119 is coupled tofirst frame member 118 and extends transverse to first frame member 118.As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, third frame member 120 extends from secondframe member 119 parallel to first frame member 118. With reference toFIGS. 2 and 6, second frame member 119 is magnetically coupled to firstframe member 118. In other examples, the frames members couple to eachother with mechanical fasteners and/or hook-and-loop fasteners. Thereader can see in FIGS. 2 and 6 that frame 112 that third frame member120 is coupled to second frame member 119.

Second group of magnets 115 are arranged in a second defined sequence116. Second group of magnets 115 magnetically couple with first group ofmagnets 113 of back member 106.

As described above, first group of magnets 113 are arranged in firstdefined sequence 114. The reader can see in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 that firstdefined sequence 114 and second defined sequence 116 are complementarityconfigured to align first module 105 in selected alignment 117. Firstmodule 105 is supported in selected alignment 117 when first group ofmagnets 113 magnetically couples to second group of magnets 115. Firstgroup of magnets 113 magnetically couples to second group of magnets 115when first defined sequence 114 aligns with second defined sequence 116.

The size of the frame may be varied as needed for a given application.In some examples, the frame is larger relative to the other componentsthan depicted in the figures. In other examples, the frame is smallerrelative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further,the reader should understand that the frame and the other components mayall be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining theirrelative proportions.

In the present example, the shape of the frame complements the size,position, and orientation of the back members. However, the shape of theframe may be adapted to be different than the specific examples shown inthe figures to suit a given application.

The number of frames in the game surface system may be selected to meetthe needs of a given application. The reader should understand that thenumber of frames may be different in other examples than is shown in thefigures. For instance, some game surface system examples includeadditional or fewer frames than described in the present example.

The frame may be any currently known or later developed type of frame.The reader will appreciate that a variety of frame types exist and couldbe used in place of the frame shown in the figures. In addition to thetypes of frames existing currently, it is contemplated that the gamesurface systems described herein could incorporate new types of framesdeveloped in the future.

In the present example, frame 112 is composed of plastic. However, theframe may be composed of any currently known or later developed materialsuitable for the applications described herein for which it is used.Suitable materials include glass, metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, andcomposite materials.

Additional Embodiments

With reference to the figures not yet discussed in detail, thediscussion will now focus on additional game surface system embodiments.The additional embodiments include many similar or identical features togame surface system 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature ofthe additional embodiments below will not be redundantly explained.Rather, key distinctions between the additional embodiments and gamesurface system 100 will be described in detail and the reader shouldreference the discussion above for features substantially similarbetween the different game surface system examples.

Second Embodiment

Turning attention to FIGS. 7-10, a game surface system 200 will now bedescribed as a second example of a game surface system. As can be seenin FIGS. 7-10, game surface system 200 includes a first module 205, afirst game sheet 201, a second module 221, a second game sheet 222, atransition module 226, a transition sheet 227, and a frame 212. In otherexamples, the game surface system includes fewer components thandepicted in FIGS. 7-10. In certain examples, the game surface systemincludes additional or alternative components than depicted in thefigures.

As shown in FIGS. 7-10, first module 203, transition module 226, andsecond module 221 are arranged side-by-side in a row. As shown in FIGS.7 and 8, transition module 226 is disposed between first module 203 andsecond module 221. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, transition sheet 227includes a first end 228 and a second end 229 opposite first end 228.

The reader can see in FIGS. 7 and 8 that transition module 226 isconfigured to support and protect transition sheet 227. Transition sheet227 displays a pattern that link patterns displayed on first game sheet201 anti second game sheet 222 to unify them across the modules. Inparticular, as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, first game sheer 201 displaysfirst pattern 230 on display face 203 and second game sheet 222 displaysa second pattern 231. The reader can see that first pattern 230 andsecond pattern 231 would not align properly if first game sheet 201 andsecond game sheet 222 were placed directly next to each other.

As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, transition sheet 227 displays transitionpattern 232 complementing first pattern 230 on first end 228 andcomplementing second pattern 231 on second end 229. The reader can seein FIGS. 7 and 8 that a continuous hexagonal grid 233 is definedcooperatively by first pattern 230. second pattern 231, and transitionpattern 232.

The shape of the transition sheet may be adapted to be different thanthe specific examples shown in the figures to suit a given application.For example, the transition sheet may include a face having the shape ofa regular or irregular polygon, such as a circle, oval, triangle,square, rectangle pentagon, and the like. Additionally or alternatively,the transition sheet may include a face having an irregular shape.

The size of the transition sheet may be varied as needed for a givenapplication. In some examples, the transition sheet is larger relativeto the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples,the transition sheet is smaller relative to the other components thandepicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that thetransition sheet and the other components may all be larger or smallerthan described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, transition sheet 227 is composed of paper.However, the transition sheet may be composed of any currently known orlater developed material suitable for the applications described hereinfor which it is used.

The number of transition sheets in the game surface system may beselected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader shouldunderstand that the number of transition sheets may be different inother examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some gamesurface system examples include additional or fewer transition sheetsthan described in the present example.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” clement, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in othercombinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/orproperties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same invention or a different invention and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventionsdescribed herein.

1. A game surface system for displaying a game sheet on a play surface,the game sheet having a display face facing away from the play surfaceand a rear face facing the play surface, the game surface systemcomprising: a first module configured to support and protect the gamesheer, the first module including: a back member abutting the rearsurface of the game sheet and disposed between the game sheet and theplay surface; and a cover sheet abutting the display face of the gamesheet and covering the game sheet, the cover sheet coupled to the backmember.
 2. The game surface system of claim 1, wherein the cover sheetus magnetically coupled to the back member.
 3. The game surface systemof claim 2, wherein: the back member includes a first magnet; and thecover includes a second magnet magnetically coupled to the first magnet.4. The game surface system of claim 1, wherein: the game sheet includesa lateral edge and a longitudinal edge; and the back member is disposedproximate the lateral edge of the game sheet.
 5. The game surface systemof claim 1, wherein: the game sheet includes a lateral edge and alongitudinal edge; and the back member is disposed proximate thelongitudinal edge of the game sheet.
 6. The game surface system of claim1, further comprising a frame disposed on the play surface andsupporting the back member.
 7. The game surface system of claim 6,wherein the back member and the frame are complementarity configured toallow the back member to selectively couple to the frame.
 8. The gamesurface system of claim 7, wherein the back member and the frame arecomplementarily configured to allow the back member to selectivelycouple to the frame in more than one orientation.
 9. The game surfacesystem of claim 7, wherein the back member and the frame arecomplementarily configured to allow the back member to selectivelycouple to the frame in more than one position on the frame.
 10. The gamesurface system of claim 7, wherein the back member selectively couplesto the frame via magnetic coupling.
 11. The game surface system of claim10, wherein: the back member includes a first group of magnets arrangedin a first defined sequence; the frame includes a second group ofmagnets arranged in a second defined sequence; and the first definedsequence and the second defined sequence are complementarily configuredto align the first module in a selected alignment when the first groupof magnets magnetically couples to the second group of magnets with thefirst defined sequence aligned with the second defined sequence.
 12. Thegame surface system of claim 6, wherein the frame includes: a firstframe member; and a second frame member coupled to the first framemember and extending transverse to the first frame member.
 13. The gamesurface system of claim 12, wherein the second frame member ismagnetically coupled to the first frame member.
 14. The game surfacesystem of claim 12, wherein: the frame includes a third frame membercoupled to the second frame member, and the third frame member extendsfrom the second frame member parallel to the first frame member.
 15. Thegame surface system of claim 1, further comprising a second modulecooperating with the first module, the second module configured tosupport and protect a second game sheet.
 16. The game surface system ofclaim 15, wherein the second module is configured the same as the firstmodule.
 17. The game surface system of claim 15, wherein: the game sheetdisplays a first display on the display face; the second game sheerdisplays a second display; and the first module is adjacent to thesecond module in a position where the first display aligns with thesecond display to define a continuous display extending from the firstdisplay to the second display.
 18. The game surface system of claim 13,further comprising a transition module disposed between the first moduleand the second module, the transition module configured to support andprotect a transition sheet.
 19. The game surface system of claim 18,wherein: the transition sheet includes a first end and a second endopposite the first end; the game sheet displays a first pattern on thedisplay face; the second game sheet displays a second pattern; thetransition sheet displays a transition pattern complementing the firstpattern on the first end and complementing the second pattern on thesecond end.
 20. The game surface system of claim 19, wherein the firstpattern, the second pattern, and the transition pattern cooperate todefine a continuous hexagonal grid.